"It’s my son’s favourite song": Stephen Bunting reveals the emotional reason behind iconic walk-on music

Stephen Bunting has explained why, a few years ago, he stopped using his now iconic entrance track, ‘Surfin’ Bird’ by The Trashmen. The current world number nine swapped the classic for ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta and Sia, a choice that has everything to do with his son Tobi.

For years, Bunting was inextricably linked with ‘Surfin’ Bird’, invariably performing the famous ‘bird dance’ from Family Guy during his entrance. However, ‘Titanium’ has now become one of the most popular walk-on tracks within the PDC, with thousands of fans singing along at the top of their voices as soon as the Englishman steps onto the stage.

Speaking to BBC Gibraltar, Bunting explained that the switch is primarily an emotional one. “It’s my son’s favourite song. When I moved away from the Bird is the Word walk-on, there was no other song that was going to be the choice.

According to Bunting, the lyrics also tie in perfectly with both his nickname ‘The Bullet’ and his attitude on stage. “It’s Tobi’s favourite song. The tagline is in the song. I’m Bulletproof, nothing to lose, fire away, all relates to the darts.

Not only does Titanium hold special meaning for Bunting himself, but the fans have embraced the song as well, turning his walk-on into one of the most atmospheric moments of any darts night.

“It’s such an absolute banging song. The fans get along with it and sing it back to me."

Bunting clearly relishes the interaction with the crowd. “I feel like I’m orchestrating them sometimes when I am up there. Sometimes it gets really emotional as well.

According to Bunting, the music helps him approach his matches with even greater intensity. “It makes it more passionate for me when I am playing the darts. I love that song. It is my ringtone. It’s my walk-out music.

“So I hear it probably 50 times a day. I’m not like Nathan Aspinall (who despite using Mr Brightside doesn't like it) where I don’t know the words to it. At least I know the words to my walk-on. He doesn’t have a clue.”

Alongside his busy schedule on the PDC Tour, Bunting is also working on several projects away from the oche, including the release of his autobiography, Bulletproof: From Pub to Palace, which is due to be published in September.

The former Masters champion stressed that life as a modern professional darts player involves far more than simply competing in tournaments. His book is also part of that packed schedule. “If we’re not playing darts at tournaments, then we have exhibitions together. Or we are doing other things like YouTube or TikTok. Different things to keep us occupied. I have my autobiography coming out in September. It’s Bulletproof: From Pub to Palace. The players are always doing something different, but we’re always working.”